Much as many of us would probably love to splash out £20 million on a coachbuilt Rolls-Royce or park a £1.7m Rimac hypercar in our garage, the reality is a lot more mundane for most folk.
For most motorists, mainstream motors from big brands like Ford, BMW and Vauxhall are the order of the day when it comes to a new car. But with even regular superminis now costing north of £20,000 it can seem that even run-of-the-mill models are out of reach for many drivers.
A good quality used car is always an option for those on a budget but if you want the service and support that comes with a brand new model there are still choices that won’t break the bank.
Here we've rounded up the 10 cheapest new cars on sale in 2021.
A good quality used car is always an option for those on a budget but if you want the service and support that comes with a brand new model there are still choices that won’t break the bank.
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The cheapest new cars on sale 2021 Photo: Dacia, Hyundai, MG, Volkswagen
. Dacia Sandero, from £7,995
Ever since its launch in 2016, the Sandero has been the UK’s cheapest new car. A brand new version has recently been launched which brings sharper styling, modern engines and more technology but this compact hatchback retains its title as the most affordable new car in the country. Basic Access cars lack much in the way of equipment and come with a non-turbo 64bhp petrol engine but higher-spec cars get a better engine and comforts such as a stereo and air con for as little as nine grand. Photo: Dacia
. Mitsubishi Mirage, from £10,580
Mitsubishi is best known for its pick-ups and 4x4s but it also produces a compact supermini that starts at just over £10,500. Updated at the start of 2020 the Mirage now a bolder looking, better equipped model than before and new technology has helped improve the 80bhp 1.2-litre engine’s efficiency to up to 56.5mpg. At 3.8 metres long it sits midway between the Picanto and something like a Toyota Yaris and Mitsubishi boasts that it’s designed for the city with the tightest turning circle in its class. Photo: Mitsubishi
5. Citroen C1, from £12,945
The C1 is part of a badge-engineering, platform-sharing project with sister company Peugeot and Toyota. Behind the Citroen grille, the C1 city car is the same basic vehicle as the Peugeot 108 and Toyota Aygo but undercuts them both slightly on starting price. The basic Urban Ride trim uses the same 71bhp engine as all models and gets air con and a seven-inch touchscreen but lacks modern safety tech such as autonomous braking or lane departure warning. Photo: MATTHEW HOWELL
6. Volkswagen Up, from £13,060
Another compact city car, this time with the cachet of the VW badge. Your £13k gets you a basic but stylish three-door, which still comes with alloy wheels, and smartphone connectivity but lacks driver aids found in some other models on this list. Five-door versions are £400 more. Photo: Volkswagen
7. Hyundai i10, from £13,205
The i10 name has been around for a while now but 2020 saw an all-new version of the Korean city car launched with a focus on tidier design and new technology. £13,000 will get you a basic 65bhp 1.0-litre SE trim car. It doesn’t have the connectivity and comforts of more expensive models but does still feature a DAB radio with Bluetooth, air con, electric windows and safety kit including cruise control, lane keep assist, autonomous emergency braking and high beam assist. Photo: Hyundai
8. Peugeot 108, from £13,320
Closely related to the C1, this is the same basic five-door city car with its 1.0-litre engine promising up to 59mpg and CO2 emissions of 110g/km. As with the Citroen, the basic car is getting a little long in the tooth but still features a touchscreen and the all-important smartphone integration. Photo: Peugeot